World
UN chief strongly condemns Pakistan school attack
United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the “bloodcurdling attack” on a school in Peshawar, Pakistan, in which 148 people, including 132 students, were killed.
“No cause can justify such brutality. No grievance can excuse such horror. It is an act of horror and rank cowardice to attack defenseless children while they learn,” Ban said at the beginning of a Security Council meeting Tuesday.
“The hearts of the world go out to the parents and families who have lost loved ones in the horrific attack,” he said.
The Pakistani Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack earlier in the day, in which gunmen wearing army uniforms stormed into the army-run school in downtown Peshawar and exchanged fire with the security forces.
At least 245 others were injured in the attack and an unknown number of students and staff were held hostage by the militants.
Addressing the Council, Ban extended his deepest condolences to the people, government and particularly those touched by Tuesday’s tragedy, according to the reports.
“Schools must be safe and secure learning spaces. Getting an education is every child’s right. Going to school should not have to be an act of bravery,” he noted.
The secretary-general expressed the world organization’s support for the efforts of the Pakistani authorities in their fight against terrorism and extremism, and urged the government of Pakistan to make every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Also in a statement, the United Nations Children’s Fund () said the horrific, callous killing must do more than shock the conscience of the world.
“It must also summon us, all the more, to support the parents of Pakistan who wish for their children the best possible education and all those who are working to provide it,” it said in a statement, extending heartfelt sympathy to the families of the children who have been lost.
National
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Lucknow: Vishal Singh, a renowned social worker from Lucknow, also known as Foodman, has once again made India proud. He was honored by the Happy Hands Gloves Cooperative Limited Company in Korathai, Thailand, for his work with the Hunger Free World Mission.
The Hunger Free World Mission’s meeting was held in Korathai, Thailand, under Vishal Singh’s leadership. Representatives from several countries, including Mr. Raja Dwivedi (Managing Director of Happy Hands Gloves Limited), Thailand Coordinator Mr. Raja Mishra, and member Mr. Varun Singh, attended the event.
Under Vishal Singh’s leadership, the attendees took a pledge to work together toward creating a hunger-free world.
Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Singh explained that the main goal of the Hunger Free World Mission is social participation. He said the mission is not just about feeding people but also about meeting other basic needs of those who are struggling. The mission focuses on helping families of terminally ill patients in hospitals by providing food and shelter. It also works to fulfill essential needs like education, jobs, and care for the elderly.
For the last 16 years, the Vijay Sri Foundation has been providing free services, benefiting thousands of people. Vishal Singh highlighted that the mission aims to gain global recognition like other organizations such as WHO, WWF, and Red Cross, which work for social causes.
During this meeting, Vishal Singh was appointed as the Chairman of the Hunger Free World Mission by representatives from various countries. They also discussed holding regular meetings in different countries to push the mission forward.
Business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has also supported this humanitarian mission, vowing to promote the idea of “Seva Parmo Dharma” (Service is the highest duty) worldwide. Vishal Singh praised him, stating that people like Dr .Abhishek Verma inspire others to work for the betterment of society.
Recently, Romania’s Ambassador, Mr . Daniela Sezonov Ţane, invited Vishal Singh to the Romanian Embassy in Delhi, where they discussed the mission in detail. Impressed by his humanitarian work, she honored Vishal Singh and invited him to Romania to take the mission forward .
Food man Vishal Singh has been serving the people of India for the past 16 years. Through the Vijay Sri Foundation, he provides free meals to cancer patients & their families ,shelter, and education for women & children along with running free old-age homes in Lucknow.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Vishal Singh also addresses issues like crime and corruption through his role as Chairman of Seva Path Media and Managing Director of Vijay Sri Foundation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishal Singh and his team worked tirelessly to provide food and help to the needy, including starving children, elderly citizens, and pregnant women. Despite contracting the virus himself, he continued to assist others after his recovery. He even created a life-saving oxygen regulator using household items, which was praised by doctors both in India and abroad.
In his address at the meeting, Vishal Singh spoke about his mission to create a hunger-free world. He pointed out that India’s large population, along with issues like unemployment and poverty, has caused the country to fall on the Hunger Index. He urged people to contribute just one handful of grains daily to help create a hunger-free world.
He concluded by saying that through social participation, we can empower the people around us, meet their basic needs, and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous, and developed society.